Statement about restricted breeds/dog control

Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council advised the pound operator in June that all restricted breeds entering the pound from the Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown area were to be deemed unsuitable for rehoming. This decision was based on the attack in Limerick that resulted in a fatality. The Control of Dogs Act (1986) as amended, sets out the powers of the dog warden to seize a stray or accept a surrendered dog, and permits the destruction of the dog by a local authority.

In addition, the Control of Dogs Regulations, 1998, sets out the list of types of dogs that have additional conditions attached to them; this list is referred to as the restricted breeds list and it includes several bully breeds. As this is the only legislation that differentiates all restricted breeds from other dogs, the decision was made to specify only these dogs as unsuitable for rehoming. One XL Bully dog was put to sleep during this time following an attack on a person. Our pound endeavours to rehome all other healthy dogs.

Following Minister Heather Humphreys announcement on the 12 July regarding XL bully dogs, we are now reviewing the position on the inclusion of all restricted breeds.  We have advised the pound that no further dogs are to be put to sleep until this review takes place. We are taking this opportunity to reassess our policies and ensure that we are making decisions in the best interest of all dogs in our care.

Further information can be found here.